The Rastafarian community in Ghana have announced an indefinite suspension of their intended demonstration for the decriminalization of marijuana in the country.
The group was due to embark on a march tomorrow, Wednesday May 8 2019 for the decriminalization of cannabis in the country, arguing that the nation stands to benefit economically and more, with the legalization.
A statement issued by the Rastafari Council said the suspension is a result of the refusal by the police administration to sanction the demonstration and the filing of an exparte motion by the police against the event.
‘’The Ghana Police Service who was supposed to provide security for demonstrators has declined rendering their service and has sought an exparte motion which was heard in court today May 6, 2019. The case will be heard again in 10 days from today after the Advocacy committee has put together certain requirements by the court’’ the statement read in part.
Signed by Khex Pongo, chairman of the advocacy committee, the statement added that ‘’We will continue to demand and defend the rights of citizens on the decriminalization of cannabis plant in Ghana. Let us all join hands to call on the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, parliamentarians, all political parties and actors, the National Peace Council and Ghanaians to support the demands of the advocacy committee of the Rastafari Council’’.
Read the full statement below:
POSTPONEMENT OF PLANNED DEMONSTRATION FOR DECRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS IN GHANA SLATED FOR MAY 8, 2019.
The Advocacy Committee of the Rastafari Council, Ghana is responsible for advocating the rights of Rastafari in particular, and Ghanaians in general where abuse is experienced. The advocacy committee intended a decriminalization march on May 8, 2019, but had to postpone the intended march till further notice pending the decision of the court. A later date will be communicated to the general public. The Ghana Police Service who was supposed to provide security for demonstrators has declined rendering their service and has sought an exparte motion which was heard in court today May 6, 2019. The case will be heard again in 10 days from today after the Advocacy committee has put together certain requirements by the court.
We call on all Ghanaians, members of the Rastafari Council, advocacy committee and our coalition partners to remain steadfast and we apologise for the change in date. We will continue to demand and defend the rights of citizens on the decriminalization of cannabis plant in Ghana. Let us all join hands to call on the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, parliamentarians, all political parties and actors, the National Peace Council and Ghanaians to support the demands of the advocacy committee of the Rastafari Council.
Thank you,
Khex Pongo
Chairman
Advocacy Committee
Rastafari Council, Ghana
+233(0)246866519
Source: BestNewsGH.com
